Interview Preparation: Do your research

One can never be too prepared. There is a story about a young man who was interviewing with Kellogg’s.  To get ready, he did his personal research, he felt he knew himself and he had several practice interview sessions so nothing was going to surprise him. Well, when asked about his favorite cereal, on impulse he said Quaker Puffed Wheat, a product made by a Kellogg competitor.

You would be amazed at what happens as the result of interview stress. You should not be fearful going into an interview IF you have properly prepared. What preparation should you do? Know what you will be talking about; know what every word on your resume means, or other marketing material; know what makes you tick in terms of behaviors, traits, habits and values, proper job research on the prospective company and know how you are going to discuss the value you bring to that company,

It takes knowledge to be successful in an interview? Knowledge in terms of  how your job skills relate to your achievements and knowledge of the “real you”, your traits, behaviors, values and habits  and the role they played in your achievements will contribute  to your confidence level, the confidence level needed to  successfully complete an interview. 

However, even that knowledge is only half what is required to conduct a successful interview.  Without preparation, and certain knowledge of what you bring to that particular company and, without practice and more practice  in presenting and bringing to life your achievements and your personal makeup, then your success will be limited, if you achieve any at all.  Keep in mind, knowledge, preparation, and practice will solve the challenge and a recruiter will never see you sweat.